Capirossi upbeat over Suzuki prospects
Added on Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 by Carole Nash Editor
Capirossi upbeat over Suzuki prospects
Loris Capirossi was the surprise package of the weekend’s testing in Sepang as the all new Suzuki GSV-R looks set to surprise the ‘big three’ in 2009.
The 35-year-old finished 10th in the championship following a difficult season last year but after an intensive off-season with Suzuki engineers, the Italian surprised all onlookers when he posted the fastest time in the opening day of the official test in Malaysia.
The veteran also secured top-three times on days two and three of the session, rubbing shoulders at the top with Casey Stoner and Valentino Rossi.
Speaking after the test, Capirossi told MotoGP.com that he has high hopes for this season after securing a bike that better fits him and his riding style.
“The feeling was really good, my physical condition is at 100%,” he said. “The bike has improved quite a bit. Suzuki have been working hard to help us. The whole package now is more comfortable because I am starting my second year with the team and everybody is starting to believe 100% in what I need. Of course we have to keep working more to improve but we are already at a good level.”
“I struggled a lot last year because the bike was a bit too big for me, so I asked for a different seat, with a smaller tank. They have done that and now I am much more comfortable on the bike and that is a big success.”
Capirossi’s team-mate Chris Vermeulen was in satisfied with the team’s progress after he lapped within the top six, and within one second of the quickest rider, on all three days of the test.
“We have a lot of new things from Suzuki, the chassis, the engine, the aerodynamics, the swingarm, everything is new,” said the Australian. “The factory have been working very hard. It seems to be paying off for us.”
